India has resumed issuing a range of visas to Afghan nationals, marking a significant policy shift after a four-year suspension that followed the political upheaval in Afghanistan in 2021. According to an official update on India’s visa portal, indianvisaonline.gov.in, a new ‘AFGHAN Visa’ module has been rolled out, allowing eligible Afghan citizens to apply across several categories including business, medical, student, and cultural entry visas.
Although no formal public announcement has been made, the updated visa portal now lists visa categories open to Afghan nationals, such as student, business, medical, medical attendant, entry, and UN diplomat visas. The entry visa category has been expanded to include Afghan artists, academics, and cultural professionals invited by recognised Indian institutions. Additionally, Afghan nationals who are family members of Indian citizens or Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders are eligible, as are those who own property in India or are dependent parents of Afghan students enrolled in Indian schools or universities.
The business visa category has also been broadened to welcome Afghan investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals planning to set up industrial or commercial ventures in India. It now includes sportspersons and coaches contracted for participation in commercial sports events, and provides long-term access for frequent business travellers.
India had suspended all visa services for Afghan nationals in August 2021 after the Taliban assumed control of Kabul and the country entered a period of uncertainty. As part of emergency relief, India had introduced an e-Emergency X-Miscellaneous visa, primarily to assist Afghanistan’s Hindu and Sikh communities fleeing persecution.
